Life is a funny thing...
Just two weeks ago I welcomed my third son into the world...And last night I was reminded just how awesome life is AGAIN and should be cherished at all times...
Back in 2001, I was a 24 year old...Know it all!
I had 'life' all figured out.
The 'man' was in charge and it was up to me to fight the system. It was up to me to challenge the status quo...I had it all mapped out how I was going to do this too...Through activism, music and the new thing called 'the internet', I was going to leave my mark on the world...
And then, he showed up...

On August 2nd, 2001...My first son Matthew was born!
Safe to say it changed my game plans...And if you notice the date, about a month later, the world changed forever on September 11th.
So here I was...A 24 year old know it all...Who just had a baby boy, being brought up in the era of...'Global Terror'.
Life changed for me big time.
My focus was no longer on changing the world...It was on changing Matthew's world!
I wanted to be with him every step of the way and see him grow up and thrive in this scary new world. It started with a goal in mind, and that was to be around my son everyday through working from home on this new thing called 'the Internet'...
I wasn't sure how I would do it...But it was my goal. I HAD to be around my son. I wasn't going to be the typical 'weekend' Dad because that just was not an option...
On top of the struggles that a 24 year old new father was destined to encounter, the relationship with his mother wasn't getting any better. We just weren't meant to be together however we both wanted what was best for him....
When we broke up we were living in Toronto, and she decided moved back to her home province of Saskatchewan.
So naturally...I followed along!
...With the goal remaining the same...To be in my son's life...Everyday!
Years have gone by and I was blessed to build multiple online businesses which enabled me to be by my son's side everyday throughout his life...Of course we had some interesting twists along the way but last night, my baby boy...Officially shed the title of 'baby' lol :)

(A very proud Dad and Grandmother....Flanking the young graduate!)
He did it!
Matthew graduated high school and to say that I'm proud of this guy would be an understatement.
Life!
Amazing to think almost 18 years ago I thought I knew it all and the wake up call came when he was born. My priorities changed and everything just made sense....I was here to give this kid all the opportunities I possibly could...And guide him along the way.
Truth be told, he's guided me quite a bit himself ;)
He's taught me patience. He taught me love. And he taught me that life is just amazing...When you look at the blessings we all have...Everyday...Right in front of us.
Hey, maybe I didn't change the world like I thought I was going to 18 years ago...Because something else happened...And it was much more important!
My son was born.
He has been such a blessing and I'm honored to be his Dad!
Good luck Matthew on all your life's dreams and aspirations...The world is yours!
P.S. And yes, Matthew is on STEEM, I got him signed up right around when I joined...But alas, he's been focused on school this past year and a half....I'll keep bugging him to post more @IrbePads
Posted from my blog with SteemPress : http://plus1daily.com/life-2/
Family this is what it's all about
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
so so so true.
Posted using Partiko iOS
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Matthew graduated high school I am feeling old. I remember him hanging out with you while you did your daily show, many many years ago now. Has he ever grown up. Good luck to him
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
yeah man. he’s a young adult now. scary lol
Posted using Partiko iOS
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Congratulations on your son's graduation!
And the moment when the man "state" changes to parent status, than everything changes... And that is the thing that only parent can feel and understand! Oh, boy... It was the same with me before getting the child... I have multiple businesses, dreams about good car, house, etc... And than, I have left it all, changed my course totally to give better opportunity to my son in the future...
I wish all the best to you and your family!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
it’s crazy right. and you wouldn’t change a thing. the experience of seeing him grow up has been the highlight of my life.
Posted using Partiko iOS
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
This made me smile. Congratulations on Matthew's graduation. It's such an exciting time for all of you as he embarks on the next chapter of his life.
It's incredible how we can change for the better through life events & people that come in and out of our lives, even in a short time. It helps us grow into the amazing people we all end up being.
You did make an impact on the world. You had your three beautiful kids & a wonderful wife. You have changed other people's lives for the better so, yes, you have made your mark. 💕🙌🌸
Blessings always. ❤️
Posted using Partiko Android
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
thanks Jenn. yup he has been a huge blessing for me. so thankful for him.
Posted using Partiko iOS
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Congrats on that milestone brother. Nothing quite like parenthood!
Posted using Partiko iOS
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
thanks man. aint that the truth.
Posted using Partiko iOS
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Congratulations to the Young Man :)
And to you Proud Father <33
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
absolutely :) just got two more i need to see graduate lol
Posted using Partiko iOS
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Congrats! That is such a great story to share buddy! Definitely doing something good as a graduate is something to be proud of no matter what!
Posted using Partiko iOS
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
thanks man. yup for sure. grateful and thankful :)
Posted using Partiko iOS
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Whoa! Matty's a high school graduate? Awesome sauce! Congrats!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
right? college is next. and then he will have his own kids lol
Posted using Partiko iOS
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Yes, such an amazing change in life when you become a parent. Soon he will be an adult and graduation is just one steo on his life journey.
Posted using Partiko Android
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
lol i’ll be a grandparent in no time lol
Posted using Partiko iOS
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Wow, you have a 18-year old son. That's pretty cool. It scares the shit out of me to imagine my daughter to be that old and boss me around. She does that already with the age of three.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
ha ha ha it goes quick man. really quick. enjoy every moment :)
Posted using Partiko iOS
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Being able to stand with your son after graduation, I would say you are making your mark for a better world.
Posted using Partiko Android
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
thanks man. as long as he’s happy that’s all that matters.
Posted using Partiko iOS
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
It's all about time my man. Going on and on and on. Some wonderful memories we just have KEEP in mind with the time. 👍
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
thanks man. appreciate the comments and support.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I consider this a super story of awesome lessons of life, congratulations Matthew, for you Jon, I’m proud of you, you’ve really tasted fatherhood.
Posted using Partiko iOS
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
thanks very much. glad you enjoyed it. and yup. i get to do it all over again now two with my other two sons.
Posted using Partiko iOS
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Life change and move. Within a twinkle of an eye, years comes and years goes and all we have left is the memories with us about it
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
it’s insane. seems like just yesterday he was born. time flies.
Posted using Partiko iOS
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Maybe it made you cried because of happiness. How amazing would it be that your son finish his highschool and as a dad, it's very proud to see your son in graduating dress.
Posted using Partiko Android
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
next step. college for that guy :)
Posted using Partiko iOS
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Congratulations to you and your son! It's big milestone to both of you!
Posted using Partiko Android
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
thanks very much :)
Posted using Partiko iOS
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thank you so much for participating in the Partiko Delegation Plan Round 1! We really appreciate your support! As part of the delegation benefits, we just gave you a 3.00% upvote! Together, let’s change the world!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit